Electric Hydraulic Power Steering Current Reduction via Sleep Mode
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional electric hydraulic power steering systems consume unnecessary power when the steering wheel is not being manipulated, leading to increased current consumption and reduced fuel efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A method that determines whether the steering wheel is being manipulated and activates a sleep mode if it is not, based on vehicle speed and steering angular velocity, to reduce motor control current and minimize power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the electric hydraulic pump is driven continuously to ensure steering assistance is always available, then steering reliability is improved, but current consumption increases unnecessarily when the steering wheel is not manipulated
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the motor operating state based on real-time steering conditions. When the steering wheel is not manipulated and vehicle speed is below the reference value, the motor enters sleep mode with minimal current consumption. When steering input is detected or vehicle speed exceeds the reference value, the motor activates to provide steering assistance, thus adapting the energy consumption state to actual operational needs
Solution Approach 2:
The control method changes the motor current parameter dynamically. By monitoring steering angular velocity and vehicle speed, the system transitions the motor between different current states: high current during active steering, zero or minimal current during idle periods. This parameter change resolves the contradiction by ensuring reliability only when needed while minimizing energy consumption during idle periods
2Ease of operation
If the motor operates continuously to maintain hydraulic pressure, then steering response is improved, but fuel efficiency deteriorates due to unnecessary current consumption
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of continuous motor operation, the system employs periodic activation based on steering events. The motor operates intermittently - activating only when steering input is detected or vehicle speed exceeds the reference value, and entering sleep mode otherwise. This periodic action pattern maintains steering responsiveness when needed while minimizing energy loss during extended idle periods
Solution Approach 2:
The control method implements feedback control by continuously monitoring steering angular velocity and vehicle speed. Based on this feedback, the system determines whether the motor should be active or in sleep mode. This feedback mechanism ensures steering response is maintained when required while preventing unnecessary energy loss during idle conditions
Data Source
AI summary
A method of reducing current consumption of an electric hydraulic power steering system for a vehicle includes determining whether or not a steering wheel is manipulated after an engine is started, and activating a sleep mode if it is determined that the steering wheel is not manipulated and if a vehicle speed is lower than a reference value for activating the sleep mode, or if it is determined that the steering wheel is manipulated and if an amount of current conducted in a motor, a vehicle speed and a steering angular velocity are lower than respective reference values for a predetermined time. According to the method, it is possible to reduce current consumption when the steering wheel is not manipulated and improve the vehicular fuel efficiency.